Here are some steps Contra Costa Health Services recommends be taken after safety sirens or other warnings are issued when a fire at a refinery is burning. They say that in the case of a chemical accident it is safer to be indoors than outside: — Go inside your home or the nearest building

— Bring in pets, if possible

— Close doors and windows

— Use window and door locks to create a better seal

— Make sure your vents and fireplace flue are closed

— Turn off heating, fans and air conditioning.

— Avoid using the telephone unless you have a life-threatening emergency.

For more information, the county recommends turning on local radio or television news stations.

Three women have told the New York Times that music mogul Russell Simmons raped them, the latest in a cascade of serious allegations of sexual misconduct against powerful men in entertainment, media, politics and elsewhere.